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Climate change drove 233,626 heat deaths in Europe

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 12:04 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Scientists Flag Urban Heat

Researchers warned that European cities lack sufficient cooling infrastructure and called for more green spaces and healthcare.
The study examined only urban populations, so total European heat-related deaths are probably much higher.
Scientists compared 2000-2026 temperature records and mortality data with a no-warming scenario.
Dr Pierre Masselot said climate-change threats now affect Western and Northern Europe, not just traditionally hot regions.

Summary

Climate Linked Heat Deaths

European researchers estimated heat caused 430,365 deaths in 854 cities over 26 summer seasons.
The study attributed 233,626 of those deaths to human-induced climate change.
Deaths increased from 9,720 in 2000 to 24,572 in 2025, peaking at 29,480 in 2022.
Climate-change-related deaths rose from 42% of total in 2003 to 68% in 2025.
People aged 85+ accounted for the largest share, about 95,600 climate-linked deaths.

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Scientists Flag Urban Heat

Researchers warned that European cities lack sufficient cooling infrastructure and called for more green spaces and healthcare.
The study examined only urban populations, so total European heat-related deaths are probably much higher.
Scientists compared 2000-2026 temperature records and mortality data with a no-warming scenario.
Dr Pierre Masselot said climate-change threats now affect Western and Northern Europe, not just traditionally hot regions.

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